Article Index

• Software Purchasing and Installation Policy

  • SVSU Software Acceptable Use Clause

  • Information Technology Related Purchases Policy

  • SVSU Software Procurement & Installation Process

    • Software Requests for SVSU Office Computers

    • SVSU Purchased Software Installed on Personally-Owned Computer

    • Personally Purchased Software Installed on University-Owned Computers

  • ITS Software License Management

  • Software License and Metering Procedure

• Software Available

  • On Campus

  • For Home Use

  • A-Z Listing

  • Administrative & Business Systems services.

• How to Install

  • On Campus

    • Windows Devices - Software Center

    • Mac - Self Service

    • Administrator Privileges

    • Admin by Request

      • What is Admin By Request?

      • Using Admin by Request

        • Mac Devices

        • Windows Devices

  • Home Use

    • Available software for home use

    • SVSU Virtual Computer Labs

      • Virtual Lab Use Cases

      • Connecting to the SVSU Virtual Labs Environment

      • Saving Documents in the Virtual Labs Environment

      • Shutting Down / Logging Off of the Virtual Lab Environment

• For Computer Labs

  • Licensing and Purchasing

  • Installation and Support

  • Textbook Student Software

  • Checklist

Software Available

You will be able to install some web applications, like Zoom, Webx, etc., on your own.  Most modern printer and device drivers can be installed as well.  If you run into an issue, please Create A Ticket and someone from ITS will assist you.

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Software Available on Campus

• Microsoft Office 365 
  • Site license for employees and registered students
  • Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Power BI Free,OneNote, OneDrive
• Adobe Creative Cloud 
  • Site license for employees only, students can access the titles below in computer labs
  • Adobe Acrobat, Dreamweaver, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro, plus many more.
• Adobe Creative Cloud Express Premium -
  • Site license for employees & registered students
• Camtasia & SnagIt 
  • Individual licenses available to employees 

• Echo360 Personal Capture
  • Course lectures/materials recorded by faculty for registered students enrolled in specific courses
• SPSS Statistics Premium
  • Site license for faculty & registered students
• MatLab

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Home Use Software

Please visit this link for Home Use Software.

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Software Alphabetical List (A-Z)

This is a list of software available on campus, licensing restrictions may apply.  If you need to install any of the available software on your University owned device, please refer to this section of the document on How to Install Software on University-Owned Computers.  You may not be able to install all of this software on your own, do to licensing restrictions.  If you need assistance, please Create A Ticket and someone from ITS will follow up with you.

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How to Install

Installing Standard Software on University Owned Office Systems

Several common or standard/approved software applications are made available to employees to install on their office computer system.

Here is an article that details the available/approved Software Available on Campus.

If the software you need is not on the Software Available on Campus list, please Create A Ticket and someone from ITS will follow up with you.

There are several policies and procedures that govern software use.  You can see all of the related articles in the Related Services, Policies and Procedures list below.

You will be able to install some web applications, like Zoom, Webx, etc., on your own.  Most modern printer and device drivers can be installed as well.  If you run into an issue, please Create A Ticket and someone from ITS will assist you.

To install Software from the list of Software Available on Campus, follow these instructions.  If you need assistance, please Create A Ticket and someone from ITS will assist you.

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Windows Devices

• On your computer desktop - click on the Start button (Windows button)  or Search icon, and type:  Software Center   [press enter when it appears]
• Under Applications, you will find a list of software packages immediately available to you.
  • Here is an example of software packages available in Software Center, your list may be different.

• Select the application you need by clicking on it, when you do this, a new screen for installing will appear.  Click on Install.

• If the application is already installed and you need to uninstall / reinstall, choose Uninstall option.  Then Install it as mentioned above.

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Mac Devices

SVSU Mac Self Service is a new software portal for Mac devices, and requires all Macs to be enrolled by ITS prior to users accessing it.  All new systems will have it available.

• Open Finder>Go>Applications>SVSU Mac Self Service

• Spotlight search for SVSU Mac Self Service is an alternative.  You will find a list of software packages immediately available to you.  

• Here is an example of software packages available in SVSU Mac Self Service, your list may be different. Click the Install button.

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Admin by Request

What is Admin By Request?

Admin By Request (ABR) is a utility used by ITS to help facilitate software installations for SVSU faculty and/or for unique software needs.  Since computers no longer have administrator privileges, users must request assistance and permission to install software on the computers.  In some cases, the software may need to be elevated to run as an adminstrator.  In other cases, the software may have already been pre-approved for installation.  If you receive a prompt when using software, asking for administrator privileges, Admin By Request may be the bridge to help get the job done quickly.  

In essence, once ABR is installed, you may download software onto your system.  However, it's the installation process or execution of the software that will require permission to be run on the system.  The instructions that follow provide steps on how to request software to be granted permission. 

Please note: all software requests must be vetted for software compliance and does take time to review (plan in advance of your need and make sure you've done your homework as outlined in the Software Purchasing and Installation Policy).  

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Using Admin by Request

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Mac Devices - Admin by Request

• To request Admin access, click on the green Administrator Access Dock icon

• Once you click on it, you will get the following notice

• Fill in a valid reason and click Ok.

• You will receive a notice that your request has been sent for approval.

• Once the request had been approved, you will receive an email that looks similar to the following:

• When you click on Administrator Access in the Dock, you will get the prompt to request access again.  Click yes.

• Once you click yes, a Code of Conduct notice will come up.

• After clicking OK, you will have Admin Access for 15 minutes.

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Windows Devices - Admin by Request

• Install the Admin by Request client, if it is not already present
  • Click on the Start button or Search icon, and type: Software Center [press enter when it appears in the list]
  • Under Applications, you will find a list of software packages.
  • Select Admin by Request Workstation, then choose Install.

• Once installed you can right click on your Software Installer and select Run as administrator

• At this point a notice will appear that wants you to enter a reason that your need admin access.  After entering a reason click ok.

• Then a notice will come up letting you know that your request has been submitted.

• Once the request has been approved, you will receive an email that looks similar to the following:

• Right click on your installer again and select Run as administrator.  You will see the following notice.  Once you click ok you will be prompted to enter your credentials.  After entering your credentials your install will begin.

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Software for Personal Home Use

The software listed below, provides various personal home use options for SVSU employees and students. To get software for university-owned systems, please use the Software Licensing service. 

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Requirement of Home Use

As part of the licensing agreements, users agree that all installed copies of personal home use software provided by SVSU must be uninstalled when you are no longer an employee or registered student of SVSU.  

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Available Software for Home Use Portal

Visit the Software for Home Use portal:

• Microsoft Office 
  • Install Office on up to 15 devices (5-Windows, 5-Mac, 5-Mobile)
• Adobe Creative Cloud Express Premium 
  • Always authenticate using the Employees Federated ID (your SVSU username & password)
• Adobe Creative Cloud 
  • Always authenticate using the Employees Federated ID (your SVSU username & password)
• SPSS Premium + Modeler 
  • Licenses expire on July 1 every year
• Microsoft Azure Dev Tools
  • Special development tools for CSIS Students & CSIS Faculty Only
• MatLab
  • Scientific application used for Engineering courses

SVSU Virtual Computer Labs

Note.  If you have a personal computer that is capable of running the software for your class, we highly recommend you visit the home use software downloads page and install the software on your computer. 

The SVSU Virtual Computer Labs can be accessed from any device that has an Internet connection and web browser.

Virtual Lab Use Cases

The Virtual Labs fall in to these use cases:

General Lab - The general lab contains software that is normally found in a Classroom or Open Lab on campus.

Geography and Science, Engineering & Technology Lab - This virtual lab contains the software for Geography and SET on campus labs.  

Connecting to the SVSU Virtual Labs Environment

Click on this link - SVSU Virtual Labs - to access the SVSU Virtual Labs environment.  If you are not already logged into your SVSU account you will be prompted by Microsoft to "Pick an account".  Pick your SVSU account.   You will be directed to a login page.  Use your SVSU ID and Password.  Multi-Factor Authentication is activated for the SVSU Virtual Labs environment.

Note.  Performance will be impacted by your Internet bandwidth/speed.

Once you are logged into the SVSU Virtual Labs you will be presented with the Virtual Labs available to you.  Click on the Virtual Lab icon that best meets your needs based on the use cases mentioned above.  

A "Access local resources" pop-up window will appear.  If you intend to use information from your local computer clipboard or want to print leave the boxes checked.  Then click the Allow button.

Using your SVSU id and password "Enter your credentials" as requested.

You will be presented with the "System Use Notification", click OK after you have read the notification.

You are now on the SVSU Virtual Lab "Computer".

Note.  The first time that you use a Microsoft Office Product (i.e. Word, Excel, Powerpoint) you may be prompted for your SVSU Id and Password.

Saving Documents in the Virtual Labs Environment

Save your files to your OneDrive as you are not guaranteed to get the same SVSU Virtual Lab Computer each time you visit the site.  IT Support will not be able to retrieve any documents that you save on the SVSU Virtual Lab Computer.

Shutting Down / Logging Off of the Virtual Lab Environment

Step 1: Sign out of the virtual machine. Click on the Windows Icon in the Toolbar, click on the person icon at the top of the menu that appears, and then select "Sign out". You will now see the home page of the SVSU Virtual Labs.

Step 2: Sign out of the Virtual Labs web page. Click on your name in the top right of the Virtual Labs web page and then select Sign Out. There will now be a Microsoft page indicating to "Pick an account". You may now close your web browser.

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Software for Computer Labs Guideline

Software requests for university-owned systems may include the following:

• Curriculum-specific software that may be used alone or in conjunction with textbooks
• Add-ins for software such as Microsoft Word or Excel
• Special templates and fonts 
• Plug-ins for web browsers

April 14 is the deadline for requesting software and funding for inclusion in the Fall budget and classroom and lab images (after testing for compatibility is performed).. 

June 30 is the deadline for all software, documentation, installation, configuration, and testing instructions for departmental purchases.

Most campus software upgrades for the next school year are tested and installed during the summer, and begin with requests made during the Winter semester or earlier.

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Licensing and Purchasing

ITS will consider the funding and purchase of software which is required for classes by more than one department. Cost-sharing with requesting departments may be necessary. Budget restrictions may limit the ability of ITS to purchase all software requested.

Software used for a specific class must be purchased by the department using it. All software applications must be properly vetted/licensed by ITS or the department prior to implementation. New software not funded by ITS must have the licensing documentation and media provided to ITS prior to installation. The department requesting the software installation is responsible for purchasing the appropriate number of licenses based on either student use or computer installation. Contact the Support Center, x4225 for information on lab usage statistics.

• Individual licenses require the purchase of a single license for every computer where the software is installed.

• Site licenses are a flat rate typically based on a scale of the total number of computers on the network (or based on FTE counts).

• Lab packs are priced in groups based on computers within a single lab, such as 5, 10, or 25 computers.

• Concurrent licenses require the purchase of a sufficient number of licenses based on estimates of how many users are actually using the software simultaneously at any one point in time, and generally are accompanied by license manager software.

Licenses do not need to be purchased for software that is already in the labs unless additional access for a limited-use program is needed.

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Installation and Support

Users must inform ITS of any special details regarding configuration of the software, including instructions and participation for testing the software once it is installed. If these are not provided, the software will be installed using the default settings.

Although ITS will make every attempt to accommodate software requests, occasionally certain pieces of software will not work in the campus network environment. New software that is submitted for installation must be supported by the vendor under the current operating system. Users are encouraged to upgrade their existing curricular programs whenever possible. ITS reserves the right to remove software that is no longer supported under an operating system. ITS will install and configure the software, but cannot provide technical support for all software for all individual users. Users should contact the vendor of the software for technical support, as needed.

Please note: Computer labs use specialized software to protect the images from changes, to ensure consistent and reliable operating environments. Every reboot will refresh or revert to its original settings.

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Textbook Student Software

Software licensed to students, often included with textbooks, or sold at a nominal fee (that does not require the computer to be rebooted) may be used at the owner's discretion. You are encouraged test the software on a classroom or lab computer, or contact ITS for testing.

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Checklist

1. Determine location and number of seats needed. If this is a new request, include the approximate cost.

2. Complete the New Software Request Form.

3. If approved and funded, no further action is necessary until the testing phase. If approved but not funded, you will be notified and you must independently purchase the software and sufficient licenses, and then deliver the software and documentation to ITS by the announced deadline.

4. Test the software prior to the first class period.

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Software Purchasing and Installation Policy

The purpose of this document is to outline the software purchase and installation policy for SVSU computer equipment.

SVSU Software Acceptable Use Clause

As stated in the University INTERNET, ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATIONS AND COMPUTING RESOURCES ACCEPTABLE USE POLICY (AUP), all employees of the University shall honor and follow copyright and license laws of computer software. This policy expands on the AUP to define proper procedures for software installation.

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Information Technology Related Purchases Policy 

“All software, regardless of cost, must be purchased through a Purchase Requisition.  ITS department approval will happen through the Purchase Requisition routing process and does not need to be secured in advance of initiating the Purchase Requisition.   This method is required to ensure that the University is aware of all licensing and related tracking requirements. Procurement cards and Check Requisitions may not be used for any software purchase (excludes tablet and handheld software).  
… Information technology related purchases are still subject to the required departmental/vice president approvals specified in the separate Purchasing, Check Requisition and Procurement Card policies.”

Software Compliance.  Depending on the software use, you may be required to have the vendor fill-out the Higher Education Community Vendor Assessment Tool (Hecvat) for data security compliance, and you will need to provide documentation on the software's compliance with Accessibility guidelines (called VPAT - Voluntary Product Accessibility Template).  Business Services, Office of Accessibility Resources and Accommodations and Information Technology Services will provide guidance on these items.

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Software Requests for SVSU Computer Labs and Podiums

Lab Software Requests will be outlined in a separate section of this document, but still require the same level of vetting being outlined in this section.  Refer to the Software for Computer Labs section of this document.: 
 

SVSU Software Procurement & Installation Process

Software Requests for SVSU Office Computers

1. Does a Software Solution Already Exist?
   • Before engaging the procurement process, or installation of software begins, it would benefit the initiator of the request to first inquire whether a software package is already licensed on campus (such as those made available in the Windows Software Center or Jamf Pro for Macs), or whether a reasonable alternative exists. Check standard software list.
      
2. Submit a New Software Install Request ticket.
    
3. Document purpose or business case for the software to be acquired.
   • Provide a list of any / all alternatives to the software being requested.  Including written documentation on why the alternative software would not be a workable solution (even if your choice is free).
      
4. Determine scope of licenses needed (individual, dept/lab, site).
   • When considering software to be used on university-owned equipment, it is imperative to understand license requirements.  A review of the vendor’s license agreement (EULA) and any other terms and conditions must be performed. It is important to consider the scope or potential use of the software – is it for individual, department, classroom/lab, or campus-wide use?
     • Individual or Named licenses require the purchase of a single license for every computer/user where the software is installed.
     • Site licenses are a flat rate typically based on a scale of the total number of computers on the network or FTE numbers.
     • Lab packs are priced in groups based on computers within a single lab, such as 5, 10, or 15 computers.
     • Concurrent licenses require the purchase of a enough licenses based on estimates of how many users are actually using the software at any one time, and generally are accompanied by license manager software.
        
5. Does the software require ITS to configure or automate access?
   • What computers will the software be installed upon?
   • Identify who will need access, and who must not have access?
   • There are times where licensing may require additional restrictions and could require ITS time/involvement to configure or automate access to applications. 
      
6. Determine cost of software license(s) and funding sources (account numbers).
   • Typically, individual and/or department software needs are funded by the requesting department. Depending on the scope or potential use of the software going outside the department, it is possible other cost-sharing will come in to play. Be sure to discuss with your department/college, ITS, and Sponsored Programs, if grant-related.
   • If the cost is over $500, do you have at least 3 vendors to send an RFP?
      
7. Determine date needed by (plan well in advance of need!).
   • Remember to factor in time for the vetting process to determine regulatory compliance, legal agreement and review of terms & conditions, time to purchase and acquire, and any programming or system administration efforts to deploy.

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SVSU Purchased Software Installed on Personally-Owned Computer

Software purchased by SVSU, for university employee devices, shall not be installed on personally-owned computers – except for site-licensed software that is managed or controlled by an automated process that grants use based on user authentication (i.e. Microsoft Office 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud).  While some software may allow an install on a work device and a home device, there is no way for the university to guarantee 1) they cannot be run at the same time, or 2) the removal of software from personal devices; and therefore it is not allowed to be installed on home computers.

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Personally Purchased Software Installed on University-Owned Computers

SVSU will not allow personally-owned or personally purchased software to be installed on university computers. If a piece of software is required for the employee to conduct their university business, it should be purchased through the proper channels to ensure the license fully complies with all university legal requirements.

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ITS Software License Management

• ITS will retain the installation media of all software purchased by the University.
• In cases where Library staff do installations of database access software, the Library will retain an installation copy of the media and will make a backup copy for ITS’ files.
• ITS will install all software purchased by the University.
• All software installed on University owned systems must be accounted for through some form of proof of purchase and copies of EULA .
• ITS will perform periodic audits to ensure software compliancy. Proof of purchase and copies of EULA agreements are required pieces of evidence towards compliancy.
• ITS will perform a migration of software and data from one University owned computer to a replacement unit owned by the University.  This may occur when a unit either becomes non-repairable or through periodic replacement plans.
• ITS will retain a copy of the hard drive image for no more than 30 days after a system migration has been performed.  It is the responsibility of the employee to ensure they have the appropriate and legal software/data on their system backed up to either their M:\drive, OneDrive, or alternate media (DVD/CD/USB flashdrive).

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Software License and Metering Procedure

Purpose

To manage the licenses and metering of software

Procedure

• A license management system will be maintained and kept in service (currently KeyServer) that is able to report on and enforce license restrictions.

• All software purchased will be entered into a license management system, and include a reference to the PO# and the number of licenses purchased. (ITS Administrative Secretary is currently doing this)

• If the software has a limited number of instances permitted, the specific number of licenses purchased will be set up in the license management system so that the maximum number permitted is not exceeded (Compliance Report monitored by Sr. Technology Specialist).

• All software purchased will be tracked by the license management system and will be reportable on request.

• With the removal of Local Admin privileges, ITS is going to be directly involved in software installations (purchased, or requested).  

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